When to Stay | August

1.

2020 What's on in and around Edinburgh in Covid days

To help you plan your trip we have written a couple of blog posts to let you know what has reopened in Scotland's 'phase 3'.

There are a huge number of restaurants, independent shops, attractions, galleries and sculpture parks that are now open. Much effort has been made to keep people safe and the Edinburgh International Festival is now online for us all to enjoy.

For the best food, drink and local larders in and around Edinburgh we have listed some of our favourite Edinburgh and country based restaurants, shops and suppliers. Some are still offering takeaways to eat at home.

We have also listed some of the best independent Edinburgh shops and attractions that are slowly and safely reopening alongside hill walks, beach days and sculpture parks in the great outdoors.

2.

Attractions open August 2020

Dawyk Botanic Garden | The Dawyk botanics are open as normal with cafe also open. This botanics is far quieter with beautiful woodland gardens and walks in the Scottish Borders.
Dawyck Botanic Garden, Stobo, Scottish Borders, EH45 9JU

Jupiter Artland | The sculpture park is now open but you must prebook a time-slot for your visit. You can really experience the sculpture here walking around and through it as you explore the park. The cafe is open serving takeaway cakes and coffees.
Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House Steadings, Edinburgh EH27 8BY

Robert Smail's Printing Workshop | The National Trust owned letterpress print shop has reopened for pre-booked tours Monday-Friday.
Robert Smail’s Printing Works, 7 - 9 High Street, Innerleithen, EH44 6HA

Little Sparta | The Pentland sculpture garden of Ian Hamilton Finlay. Reopened with time slots.
Little Sparta, Stonypath, Dunsyre, ML11 8NG

Seacliff Beach | Our favourite beach with golden sands, tiny harbour carved from the rock and the towering Tantallon Castle overlooking the bay. Usually a small fee to park at the beach.
Seacliff Beach, North Berwick, EH39 5PP

The Royal Burgh of Culross | Culross is one of the most complete examples of a 17th Century fishing village owned by the National Trust. The gardens & streets are open but the palace remains closed.
Culross, Fife, KY12 8JH

Arthur's Seat | For the best view over Edinburgh take a hike up Arthur's Seat, the huge volcanic rock in the city centre. Look over the famous Sailsbury Crags to Edinburgh Castle and beyond.
Queens Drive, Edinburgh, EH8 8HG

Calton Hill | Just a short walk from central Edinburgh this UNESCO world heritage site offers one of the cities best view points. Well worthy of a sunset stroll up to the monuments and old observatory.
32 Greenside Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3AJ

Edinburgh Castle | Reopened but you must prebook a time slot online to limit numbers.
Edinburgh Castle, The Esplanade, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

Pentland Hills | Explore the hills from your cottage doorstep. We have listed our favourite walks here, but provide a fantastic guidebook and OS map so you can seek out your own adventures.

Scottish Sea Bird Centre Boat trips | Boat trips out to see the Bass Rock with gannets and puffins. Private charter available as well as socially distanced trips.
Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS

East Links Farm Park | Brilliant fun for children, the outdoor elements of the park are now open. Take a train safari through the animal enclosures, climb the fort or jump on the giant jellybean! About an hours drive but well worth it.
East Links Family Park, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1XF

Edinburgh Zoo | The zoo is now open but is requiring everyone planning a visit to prebook. We love visiting the Edinburgh penguins, pandas and cheeky monkeys.
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS

Royal Botanic Garden | The botanic gardens in Edinburgh are now open but like the zoo they are requiring people to prebook so that they can limit numbers. The entry is free into the main gardens but you must still prebook. For now the glass houses and cafe is closed. The botanics will be beautiful at this time of year.
Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5NZ

3.

Reopening soon!

National Galleries | Including the National Gallery of Scotland, Modern Art Galleries & Portrait Gallery will be starting a phased reopening from Monday 17th August. For further updates, opening times and time slots please see their website.

National Museum of Scotland | Reopening on the 19th August. For further updates, opening times and time slots please see their website.

4.

Spa days

For up to date spa openings see our Best city & country spas in & around Edinburgh post. Most are starting to reopen with an updated treatment menu to reflect current Scottish Government guidance.

5.

Festivals

All Edinburgh Festivals are now cancelled August 2020 although the Edinburgh International Festival & the Edinburgh International Book Festival have now moved online

The Edinburgh International Festival and Festival Fringe are obviously the main events this month making the city a busy but really exciting place to visit. There is so much more besides with the Edinburgh Arts Festival exhibiting the visual arts and the Book Festival setting up their tented village in Charlotte Square Gardens for two weeks of high profile debates and discussions.

Edinburgh Art Festival | Cancelled, 2021 TBC

Edinburgh Festival Fringe | Cancelled, 2021 TBC

Edinburgh Foodies Festival | Cancelled, 2021 TBC

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo | Cancelled, 2021 TBC

Edinburgh International Festival | Now online throughout August

Edinburgh International Book Festival | Now online from 15th - 31st August 2020

Festival Fireworks Concert | Cancelled, 2021 TBC

Jupiter Rising | postponed to 28 – 30 August 2021

6.

Foodie finds & dining events

If you need to escape the city we highly recommend a summer evening at The Free Company. An old farm steading on the edge of the Pentlands turned rustic supper club venue. Evenings at the Secret Herb Garden are equally magical, with summer gatherings amongst the herbs. Booking essential.

The Free Company : Summer series | TBC, they are hopeful to reopen soon

Secret Herb Garden : Full Moon Dinners | Cancelled 2020

For a full list of what is open see our new blog post, the best food, drink and local larders in and around Edinburgh

To pick your own fresh local produce head to Craigie's Farm Shop where this month their strawberries, raspberries, cherries, sunflowers, redcurrants, blackcurrants, gooseberries, peas, broad beans, french beans and runner beans are in season.

7.

Bushcraft & foraging

All events postponed this year

Long summer days in August can also be perfect for trying your hand at bushcraft or foraging in the beautiful rolling hills and woodlands of the Lothians. Check back, we'll list our favourites here as and when the schedules become available.